How To Measure Water Contamination Levels In Your Equipment’s Lubrication System
May 19, 2022
The best way to keep your equipment in pristine condition is by keeping its lubrication system free from water as much as possible.
The biggest hurdle in your effective maintenance program is water because if it enters your lubrication system, it will hamper your equipment’s efficiency.
Water is a destructive and costly contaminant that results in premature equipment wear and tear, which then leads to lubrication degradation.
The best way to stop water contamination from entering your equipment’s system is by using authentic hydraulic filter carts.
Also Read: The Effects of Water Contamination on Oil Filters
By following the best practices for storage and by installing adequate moisture prevention and removal equipment, you can make sure that the water level in your equipment’s system remains low.
In this blog post, we will talk in detail about some of the methods that will help you measure water contamination levels in your equipment’s lubrication system.
Recognize The Waters State
The first step to stopping water contamination is by understanding and recognizing the states at which water is present in your lubrication system. Here are the three stages in which water is present in your lubrication system:Dissolved Water
Dissolved water is present in the oil as uniformly distributed molecules. Since there are no obvious signs of its presence, this mixture results in a high concentration of water that goes unnoticed until a certain point is reached. Depending upon its age and temperature, oil can hold up to 200 to 600 ppm of dissolved water before reaching its full saturation level.Emulsified Water
When the water saturation level reaches its peak, it becomes emulsified. Once the water molecules become emulsified, they are suspended in the lubricant. These emulsified water molecules often cause haziness, forming, and milkiness in your equipment’s lubrication system.Free-State Water
When water condensation in your equipment’s lubrication system continues, or additional water molecules enter the system, it results in free-state water. In a free-water state, the oil is separated from the water, and the free water accumulates in the bottom of the reservoirs, sumps, and tanks of your equipment.Water Measuring Methods
It is very difficult to completely eliminate water molecules from your equipment’s lubrication system. Hence, your goal should be to keep the water level as low as possible. Water contamination prevention starts with resolving humidity, condensation, and ingress issues. Leaking seals, corners, environmental moisture, and compromised or inappropriate storage containers are all avenues of water contamination. The best practices for lubricant storage include:- Installation of authentic filters carts in humid storage areas
- Adequate protection of storage tanks and drums in an outdoor environment
- Proper cleaning of indoor and outdoor storage containers